Italian Under-21 international Federico Macheda will not leave Manchester United on loan, said Sir Alex Ferguson, because “he’s cocky.” There were reports the teenager would be shipped out to gain more first team experience in the Premier League.
“He is one we have to keep a close eye on. He has a cocky arrogance about him. He will argue with players in a training session and he will compete for his ego. But he’s only 18, he’s not 19 until October and we keep forgetting that. He is an exceptional talent and he is tough. He does not get bullied in games. He gives as good as he gets. There was no chance of us ever letting him go on loan – he stays here. We need to keep an eye on him.”